Agenda, decisions and minutes

Flintshire Primary Schools Football Squad

Winners of the Tom Yeoman Northern Section (North Wales champions), Tom Yeoman Shield National finals (Champions of Wales) and the Phil Staley shield.

Gareth Thomas, Logistics Manager Streetscene

In recognition of his success as Manager of Conwy Borough Football Club

Winners of the Welsh Alliance League Championship (gaining promotion to the Cymru Alliance), FA Welsh Trophy and the Cookson Cup

(i) Flintshire Primary Schools Football Squad

The Chairman and Chief Executive welcomed Andrew Jones (Manager and Headteacher of Ysgol Derwenfa in Leeswood) and Ian Price, Jamie Davies and Reagen Nicholas (Coach/Teacher and two team captains) of Ewloe Green Primary School.  They were congratulated on their fantastic achievement in winning three competitions in one year: the Tom Yeoman Northern Section (North Wales champions), Tom Yeoman Shield National Finals (Champions of Wales) and the Phil Staley Shield.  It was noted that Deeside/Flintshire Primary Schools currently held the record for the most victories in the Tom Yeoman Shield National Finals, having won 16 times since entering the competition.

As Cabinet Member for Education, Councillor Roberts paid tribute to Flintshire Primary Schools and the contributions of teachers and parents in helping the young people to achieve their success.

On behalf of all in the Football Association, Mr. Jones said that it was an honour to be asked to attend in recognition of the hard work put in by all involved.

(ii) Gareth Thomas, Manager of Conwy Borough Football Club

Flintshire County Council officers Gareth Thomas (Logistics Manager, Streetscene) and Alun Winstanley (Youth Justice Service) - Manager and Assistant Manager of Conwy Borough Football Club - were welcomed in recognition of the club’s success as winners of the Welsh Alliance League Championship (gaining promotion to the Cymru Alliance), FA Welsh Trophy and the Cookson Cup.  In addition, Gareth had won three ‘Manager of the Month’ awards as well as being awarded ‘Manager of the Season’ by Y Clwb Pel Droed magazine and the League.

Congratulations were given by Councillor Roberts on the club’s achievements during the season.

In wishing the club well for the new season, Councillor Attridge said it had given him great pleasure to nominate Gareth and Alun because of their dedication and commitment to the club.  Similar tributes were paid by Councillor Owen Thomas and Councillor Hutchinson.

In response, Gareth expressed his gratitude for the invitation to attend the meeting.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meetings on 24 April and 1 May 2018.

That the minutes be approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

The minutes of the meetings held on 14 April and 1 May 2018 were received.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes be approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

To receive any Declarations and advise Members accordingly.

On the advice of the Chief Officer (Governance), the following declared a personal interest on the Approval of Clwyd Pension Fund Statement of Accounts (Agenda Item 14) as members of the Clwyd Pension Fund:

Councillors: Haydn Bateman, Marion Bateman, Sian Braun, Helen Brown, Rob Davies, Adele Davies-Cooke, Mared Eastwood, Gladys Healey, Dave Hughes, Joe Johnson, Paul Johnson, Dave Mackie, Ian Roberts and Ian Smith.

The Chief Officer advised that a personal interest would be recorded on behalf of all Members present in respect of Agenda Item 15 ‘Schedule of Remuneration for 2018/19’.

On the advice of the Chief Officer (Governance), the following declared a personal interest on the Approval of Clwyd Pension Fund Statement of Accounts (Agenda Item 14) as members of the Clwyd Pension Fund:

Councillors: Haydn Bateman, Marion Bateman, Sian Braun, Helen Brown, Rob Davies, Adele Davies-Cooke, Mared Eastwood, Gladys Healey, Dave Hughes, Joe Johnson, Paul Johnson, Dave Mackie, Ian Roberts and Ian Smith.

The Chief Officer advised that a personal interest would be recorded on behalf of all Members present in respect of Agenda Item 15 ‘Schedule of Remuneration for 2018/19’.

To receive the communications as circulated.

A copy of the Chairman’s Communications had been circulated prior to the meeting.  The Chairman gave particular mention to the raising of the Royal Air Force Ensign at County Hall to celebrate its centenary year, which had been well attended.

To receive any Petitions.

None were received.

None were received.

To receive any Public Questions.

None were received.

None were received.

To note the answers to any questions submitted in accordance with County Council Standing Order No. 9.4(A).

None were received.

None were received.

The Minute Book, Edition 1 2018/19, has been circulated to Members.  Members are now entitled to ask questions on these minutes, subject to certain limitations, and answers will be provided at the meeting.  Members are requested to bring to the meeting their copy of the Minute Book.  Any questions must have been received by the Democratic Services Manager prior to the close of business on 13 June 2018.

None were received.

None were received.

To consider any Notices of Motion.

(a)       That the Notice of Motion from Councillor Hinds be supported as follows:  ‘That the Council review residents’ parking generally across the County, to target and prioritise parking schemes outside Council sheltered bungalows and introduce on-street parking powers where possible.  As part of that review, to identify Council-owned land and parking bays, as referred to in the Notice of Motion, to identify where parking powers could be introduced.’

(b)       That the Notice of Motion from Councillor Hinds be supported as follows: ‘That Members support the resolution of Cabinet on 19 June 2018 for a response to be made to Welsh Government as set out in the Cabinet report and specifically paragraph 1.07 including representations on the recalculation for housing land supply as part of the call for evidence.

Two Notice of Motion had been received from Councillor Hinds:

(i)         Parking Bays outside Pensioners’ Bungalows

‘All parking bays that are outside pensioners bungalows across Flintshire should be for them and emergency vehicles only. This should be enforceable.’

In support of her Motion, Councillor Hinds spoke about the importance of such parking bays being available for residents, their carers and most importantly, the emergency services who may require urgent access.  She had received many objections about others using the parking bays and parents blocking access during school times.

As Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing, Councillor Attridge understood the need for some form of control but spoke about wider issues not just restricted to pensioners bungalows.  He referred to the programme of environment works across the County which included creating new parking provision and suggested that this could incorporate a review of current parking restrictions in those areas and identify where residents’ parking permits could be introduced, if supported.  He acknowledged that this may not address Councillor Hinds’ immediate concerns but suggested that officers could identify priority locations where parking was being abused and develop a residents’ permit parking policy, including effective consultation with affected users.  This approach would be subject to consultation with Councillor Carolyn Thomas, the Cabinet Member for Streetscene & Countryside.

Councillor Hinds indicated that she was satisfied with the amendment, which was seconded by Councillor Heesom.

The Chief Executive clarified that if supported, officers would endeavour to prioritise the types of accommodation highlighted by Councillor Hinds within the review.

Councillor Carolyn Thomas spoke in support of the amendment including the prioritised areas, subject to the necessary resources and funding being available.

Also speaking in favour of the amendment were Councillors Heesom, David Williams and Owen Thomas.

Councillor Carver asked whether the review would apply to Council owned bungalows only and he pointed out that accommodation was sometimes allocated to residents below pensionable age.

Councillor Peers asked for assurance that the review would include schemes previously identified across the County.

Councillor Gladys Healey said that the review should take into account the different needs of residents using this type of accommodation and number of vehicles per household.

Councillor Attridge clarified that the review would apply to Council owned sheltered accommodation and was separate to the Streetscene review.  Councillor Hinds indicated her agreement.

In response to the comments raised, the Chief Officer (Streetscene & Transportation) explained that a policy for resident parking schemes had been introduced, involving a detailed process and extensive consultation.  In response to comments from Councillor Chris Dolphin, he said that whilst a list of areas was prioritised, a scheme had not yet been implemented as this required support from a requisite number of residents.

On being put the vote, the amendment was carried.

(ii)          Welsh Government Technical Advice Note (TAN) 1: Joint Housing Land Availability Studies (2015)

‘TAN1 is the most unfair planning process and can punish some communities more than others leaving that community to be overdeveloped and cannot cope with the infrastructure that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 22.

That the Council Plan 2018-19 be adopted on the recommendation of Cabinet, subject to:

·         the agreed changes to wording on the Regional Economic Growth Deal and the development of the Regional and Local Transport Strategy under the ‘Business Sector Growth and Regeneration’ priority;

·         the inclusion of the objective to maximise provision of affordable housing, with a broader approach to performance be included under the ‘Modern, Efficient and Adapted Homes’ priority; and

·         an open approach to reviewing targets for improvement at any stage.

Councillor Mullin moved the recommendations in the report on the annual review of the Council Plan 2017-23 which had been refreshed for structure and content for 2018-19.  He thanked Members for their input at the recent workshop and at the Corporate Resources Overview & Scrutiny Committee.  This was seconded by Councillor Attridge.

In presenting the report, the Chief Executive explained that the Plan should be published annually and the contents were subject to a rolling review.  He drew attention to the appendices including the responses to Member consultation and confirmed that Cabinet had recommended the Plan for approval.

The Corporate Business & Communications Executive Officer gave a presentation covering the following:

·         How the Plan is put together

·         Choosing in-year priorities

·         New content: national issues

·         Member consultation

·         Benefits of planning

·         This year’s 2018/19 Council Plan

·         Using the Plan

·         Next steps

During the presentation, a reminder was given of the role of Overview & Scrutiny in monitoring progress and the Audit Committee in monitoring strategic risks.  The low number of significant ongoing issues of underperformance from 2017/18 would be subject to further monitoring through agreed action plans.

Councillor Richard Jones said that despite previous requests, revisions were not highlighted in Part 2 of the Plan and he gave examples of changes to measurements and targets where explanation should have been given, which he agreed to share in full after the meeting.  To enable the Council to meet its statutory duty on publishing the Plan, the Chief Executive suggested that the recommendation be changed to adopt the Council Plan as it stood, subject to ongoing review of targets for improvement.

Councillor Jones also suggested changes to wording on two of the impacts under the ‘Business Sector Growth and Regeneration’ priority which he said could not be included at this stage.  On the delivery of commitments though the Regional Economic Growth Deal (Item 2), the Chief Executive agreed that the second sentence should be removed.  On the development of regional and local transport strategy (Item 7), it was agreed that the first bullet-point be amended to read ‘Proposing that transport infrastructure features in the Regional Economic Growth Deal proposal’ to reflect this particular aim in-year.

Councillor Peers said that tracked changes in Part 1 of the Plan should reflect explanation on why aims had been deleted.  In response to queries, the Chief Executive provided clarification on terminology in the document.  On the ‘Modern, Efficient and Adapted Homes’ priority, whilst the Chief Officer (Planning, Environment & Economy) acknowledged the request to reinstate the aim to maximise provision of affordable homes through the planning process, he pointed out that the Council had little control on influencing performance.  As such, he suggested that the objective be included as a third bullet-point under ‘achievement will be measured through’, but with no set target.  The Chief Executive and Councillor Bithell were in agreement that schemes should be measured on an individual basis as it was not viable to set an overall target.

Under the ‘Ambitious Council’ theme, Councillor Heesom stated his reservations about  ...  view the full minutes text for item 23.

(a)       That progress on the development of a Growth deal bid is noted and welcomed;

(b)       That Council approves all non-executive elements of the first stage Governance Agreement as outlined at the meeting;

(c)        That the Council be presented with the final draft Growth Deal Bid for review and consent in September/October prior to the stage of reaching Heads of Terms with both Governments;

(d)       That delegated authority be given to the Chief Executive and Chief Officer (Governance) in consultation with the Leader to finalise the terms of the Governance Agreement in accordance with the draft attached to the Cabinet report; and

(e)       That the executive arrangements contained with the Governance Agreement be included in the Constitution and that Council be requested to include the non-executive arrangements within the Constitution.

The Chief Executive and Chief Officer (Governance) presented the report on the development of the North Wales Growth Deal Bid to seek approval of the non-executive arrangements within Governance Agreement 1 (GA1) following Cabinet approval of the executive arrangements earlier in the day.

Explanation was given on the two areas of decision-making needed to approve the first stage of the Governance Agreement so that the Constitution could be updated accordingly.  The aim of the Growth Deal Bid was to benefit the economy of the region and the Growth Strategy would enable a unified approach to access bids for funding, such as the Prosperity Fund.  As requested at the recent Member workshop, information was shared on the revised governance model of the joint statutory regional committee which was circulated to replace that appended to the report.  This clarified the decision-making or advisory responsibilities of each partner.  Whilst the GA1 set out how the committee would operate in the interim period, the second part of the Agreement would include more detail on commitments and would be subject to consultation in 2019.

The Chief Executive said that achievements on the Growth Deal Bid would strengthen the case for improved regional collaborative working, which was viewed as a likely alternative to local government reform in Wales.  He said that the three areas identified for improvement through regional working in North Wales were economy, health and social care and community safety.

The Chief Officer provided information on the content of GA1, explaining that agreement on Overview & Scrutiny arrangements was a Council decision.  He outlined the four main safeguards as set out in the report and gave a reminder that the proposition document would be submitted for Council approval in September.

In moving the recommendations, Councillor Butler acknowledged the concerns which had been expressed by some Members but highlighted the importance of the Deal and the retention of local control on specific governance issues.

Councillor Peers raised a number of points about the presentation of the document which the Chief Officer agreed to address when finalising the GA1 once comments from all councils had been received.  The Chief Executive provided clarification on a number of areas within the GA1 including contributions from the six councils and agreed to re-circulate the Growth Strategy to Members.  On the suggestion to insert ‘where possible’ in respect of devoting sufficient resources to deliver the Growth Deal, officers highlighted the importance of each council honouring its share of commitments as part of the agreement.

Whilst Councillor Heesom acknowledged the significant opportunities from the Growth Deal, he reiterated his concerns about the extent of the benefits.

Councillor Richard Jones spoke in support of the regional approach but questioned the County-wide benefits.  He referred to the objectives set out in the GA1 and said that items of direct benefit to Flintshire should have been brought to Council at an earlier stage to provide clarification to Members on what they were being asked to agree.  He queried the full costs of the Growth Deal  ...  view the full minutes text for item 24.

(a)       That the Council provides feedback to Cabinet on the potential introduction of a Council Tax Discount scheme for care leavers; and

(b)       That the Council supports the development of a Council Tax Discretionary Discount scheme for Care Leavers, subject to final approval of Cabinet, with the aim of providing discounts of up to 100% to all care leavers up to the age of 25.

A report was received on proposals to provide a discount of up to 100% from the payment of Council Tax to care leavers aged between 18 and 25 residing in Flintshire.

As Cabinet Member for Social Services, Councillor Christine Jones welcomed the proposals to help vulnerable young people in their transition to adulthood and independent living.

The Revenues Manager advised that the estimated cost of funding the scheme would be around £14K per annum and that up to ten individuals in Flintshire would qualify for a discount including care leavers residing in Flintshire but had previously been in the care of another council.  If supported by Members, Cabinet would be asked to adopt the new scheme with effect from 1 April 2018.

As Chairman of the Children’s Services Forum, Councillor Bithell welcomed the proposals.

In response to a query by Councillor Carver, the Revenues Manager explained that the policy for the scheme would take account of differing circumstances and living arrangements.

In supporting the proposals, Councillor Tudor Jones spoke about the need for continued support to care leavers beyond the age of 18.  The Chief Officer (Social Services) advised that support was available for care leavers up to the age of 25, depending on the individual’s circumstances.  He referred to plans to further strengthen support for care leavers.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the Council provides feedback to Cabinet on the potential introduction of a Council Tax Discount scheme for care leavers; and

(b)       That the Council supports the development of a Council Tax Discretionary Discount scheme for Care Leavers, subject to final approval of Cabinet, with the aim of providing discounts of up to 100% to all care leavers up to the age of 25.

That Clwyd Pension Fund final statement of accounts is considered by the Audit Committee and approved by the Clwyd Pension Fund Committee.

The Chief Officer (Governance) presented the report to enable the Clwyd Pension Fund Committee, as the more appropriate body, to approve the Clwyd Pension Fund final statement of accounts, rather than full Council.  This approach, which was supported by the Wales Audit Office, would still involve consideration of the final accounts by the Audit Committee.

On behalf of the Clwyd Pension Fund Committee, the Chairman, Councillor Dave Hughes, confirmed support for this approach.

RESOLVED:

That Clwyd Pension Fund final statement of accounts is considered by the Audit Committee and approved by the Clwyd Pension Fund Committee.

(a)       That subject to the two amendments, the completed Schedule of Remuneration for 2018/19 be approved for publication; and

(b)       That the Democratic Services Manager be authorised to add the name of the final co-optee to the schedule when appointed.

The Democratic Services Manager presented the Schedule of Remuneration for 2018/19 for formal approval, subject to two amendments under section 14 and schedule 1.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That subject to the two amendments, the completed Schedule of Remuneration for 2018/19 be approved for publication; and

(b)       That the Democratic Services Manager be authorised to add the name of the final co-optee to the schedule when appointed.

There was one member of the press in attendance.